Leading careers management and personal development organisation Inspira held its annual staff conference yesterday, celebrating its success over the past year and newly acquired charity status.
Chair of Inspira, George Beveridge opened the conference and covered the company’s priorities for the next two years. Joined by keynote speakers from the National Citizen Service, The Career and Enterprise Company, and Chief Executive of Inspira, Mark Bowman, all the speakers praised the work of the team across Cumbria and Lancashire.
“It is good to share the five priority areas the board has set,” said Mr Beveridge. “It is important that those delivering and supporting our programmes and services see the connection between their work and the conversations the board are having.”
The five priority areas include geography, product and capability – with discussion focusing on the ambition and tangible achievements the company will make over the foreseeable future in the North of the Country.
“It has been a great opportunity for everyone to find out what is happening across the company – a truly empowering day.” said Mark Bowman.
Mark Rogers from the National Citizen Service (NCS), spoke about how impact is a key feature of the programme, which is seen through the personal development of young people as well as the volunteering hours they put back into the local community. Mr Rogers also referred to the fact the programme now has a Royal Charter and is an Act of Parliament, commenting that, “It’s the fastest growing youth programme in England.”
The Careers and Enterprise Company’s Max Rowe talked about the State of the Nation report which was published in November, and how impressive it is to see the Gatsby Benchmarks, a fundamental part of the C&EC’s work, being embedded into the curriculum and career activities across schools and colleges within Cumbria and Lancashire, with help from Inspira’s Enterprise Co-ordinators.
“There has been a tremendous energy in the room, people were clearly glad to share best practice – and learn from each other. It is really positive to see the interaction and buzz,” continued Mr Beveridge.
